Neil Patrick Harris Interview With Rolling Stone | May 2014

Prepare Yourself For Neil Patrick Harris Naked

Over one month after the series finale of How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris is shedding his network-TV image. On Wednesday, Rolling Stone magazine debuted its next cover, showing Neil baring his chiseled body behind nothing but a bow tie and hat. His interview, out on Friday, comes on the heels of his debut as a transgendered rocker in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway and his haunting appearance at the Met Gala on Monday. Keep reading for Neil's revelations about "playing overtly feminine and loving it" and coming out in Hollywood, plus his partner David Burtka's doubts about his latest role.

On how coming out affected his career: "Once all the cards were on the table, I got more opportunities than ever. Some actors don't get hired, because you can't look into their soul and see what they're like, because they're kept guarded."

On how taking a risk by playing a druggie in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle paid off: "Who knew that three days on a funny stoner comedy would alter my track record the way it did?"

On losing 21pounds for his Broadway show: "I need to eat more. That's becoming apparent. I'm so intent on looking feminine, on changing my silhouette. But I'm running out of energy, and it's affecting my mood."

David on the differences between Neil and Hedwig: "I didn't think he could pull off the femininity of [the role]. This is such a stretch for him. In his day-to-day, he's not a very feminine guy."

Neil on the challenge of playing an effeminate character on Broadway: "I have always been highly aware of how I was presenting myself. Which, now that I'm playing overtly feminine and loving it, is kind of a stupid concern."